Learning Module for Independent Learning

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on forms and types of academic texts, writing structures, and concept-related definitions.

Textbooks

Printed and bound reading resources intended for a course of study; contain subject-specific facts and ideas.

Articles

Written prose nonfiction on a specific topic, forming an independent part of a book or publication.

Case studies

In-depth studies of a single unit (person, family, or social group) often focusing on development and relationships; used to investigate a problem, compare with a larger group, and propose evidence-supported solutions.

Reports

Documents containing information organized in narrative, graphic, or tabular form; prepared on an ad hoc or recurring basis and may refer to periods or events; can be oral or written.

Descriptive

The simplest type of academic writing; provides facts or information; common verbs include identify, report, record, summarize, and define.

Analytical

Reorganizes facts into categories, groups, parts, types, or relationships to analyze how theories or ideas relate; often involves comparing and contrasting.

Persuasive

A form of writing that includes the writer’s point of view; aims to argue, evaluate, discuss, and take a position.

Critical

Academic writing that includes evaluation of a topic from multiple viewpoints; involves critique, debate, and analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Conference papers

Papers presented at scholastic conferences.

Review

Evaluations of works published in scholarly journals; not merely a summary but a commentary with analysis and opinion.

Theses and dissertations

Original research required in undergraduate and graduate studies.

Three-part essay

A common structure with Introduction (preview of ideas/thesis), Body (development of ideas), and Conclusion (recap and reaffirmation); typically no new information in the conclusion.

IMRaD

A structure: Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, and Discussion; often accompanied by an abstract illustrating title and sections.

Thesis Statement

A sentence that states the main idea and guides the paper; not just a topic; usually found at the end of the introduction or in an abstract, serving as the work’s road map.

Thesis Statement

Summarizing

Condensing a reading while preserving its overall meaning; length can range from about 25% of the original to a single sentence.

Outline

A formal plan using numbers and letters to organize main points and supporting details; acts as the skeleton of a written work.

Topic Outline

An outline that uses words or phrases for main points.

Sentence Outline

An outline where each point is expressed as a full, complete sentence (mini-thesis per topic).

Formal Definition

Definition technique with three parts: term, genus, and differentia; used for unfamiliar terms; pattern often follows term + genus + differentia.

Informal Definition

Definition that uses common language, synonyms/antonyms, or phrases like 'also called'; may rely on examples.

Extended Definition

A comprehensive definition using multiple techniques (classify, compare/contrast, illustrate, cause/effect, analysis, anecdotes) to clarify a term.

Elucidate

To make a concept clear or to explain it in detail.

Concept Paper

A document summarizing what a project is about, why it is important, and how it will be carried out; used to obtain funding and to form the basis of a full proposal.

Concept Paper for Academic Research

A concept paper structured for presenting a research idea: title, background, preliminary literature review, problem/ objectives, abridged methodology, timeline, and references.

Reaction Paper

An analytical piece focusing on one's reaction and evaluation of a given material, typically with introduction (thesis), body (supporting arguments), and conclusion.

Review Paper

An evaluation of events, books, exhibits, or trends that includes commentary and opinions, not just a summary; requires concise, persuasive critique.

Critique Paper

A formal evaluation of an article or work, describing its main points, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and interpreting the author’s intent within a structured format.

Citations

Acknowledgments of sources; necessary to avoid plagiarism and to allow readers to locate referenced works; often required in APA/other formats.